JJ O’Connor played ice hockey growing up. When he was 16 years old, he was injured during a game that left him paralyzed. In 2002, at the 23, he was elected the chair of the disabled section for USA Hockey, a position he held for nearly two decades. JJ was instrumental in the development of sled hockey and other disciplines. He continues to coach the Chicago Hornets sled hockey team in the Chicago area and plays power soccer with GLASA as well. JJ is also a successful small business owner.